Excellent view of life behind the iron curtain. This book does a wonderful job of showing the restrictiveness of the "walls" and the governments creatExcellent view of life behind the iron curtain. This book does a wonderful job of showing the restrictiveness of the "walls" and the governments creating them. The book is not for the younger picture book children, but is fantastic for older reluctant readers. This is a very engaging format....more

I love Jon Scieszka's book and this is no exception. He has a great sense of humor. I have read aloud the chapter "Crossing Swords" to my fifth gradeI love Jon Scieszka's book and this is no exception. He has a great sense of humor. I have read aloud the chapter "Crossing Swords" to my fifth grade students at school and they loved it. Crossing swords, of course, is when more than one boy is urinating at the same time and they cross streams. Having grown up with 5 brothers, Jon has many funny stories to share. The book has short chapters and is great for any child that loves humor and kids that get into trouble....more

I think this was my third time through. Anne Frank was an excellent observer of the world and writing was her way of processing it I think. This is aI think this was my third time through. Anne Frank was an excellent observer of the world and writing was her way of processing it I think. This is a must-read....more

I enjoyed peeking in Julia Child's life. She was quite a fun person and it was inspiring to see how she took on challenges and lived with gusto. I canI enjoyed peeking in Julia Child's life. She was quite a fun person and it was inspiring to see how she took on challenges and lived with gusto. I can't believe how long it took me to read the thing though. ...more

I adore the black and white photo at the beginning of the book. It is of Jane holding her stuffed animal - a chimpanzee. I loved how the simple text aI adore the black and white photo at the beginning of the book. It is of Jane holding her stuffed animal - a chimpanzee. I loved how the simple text and illustrations delivered such a powerful statement of Jane's caring and her belief that she could live her dream....more